Meghan holds back tears speaking about negative press during her pregnancy

Meghan Markle has held back tears as she opened up for the first time about the negative press she battled during her pregnancy with Archie.

In a short clip from an upcoming royal documentary, the Duchess of Sussex spoke candidly about the effect the media scrutiny had on her then and now as a new mum trying to keep her son out of the public eye.

Meghan has opened up about the media scrutiny she faced during and after her pregnancy. (Getty)

"Any woman, especially when they're pregnant, you're really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging," Meghan confessed to journalist Tom Brady in the clip.

"And then when you have a newborn, you know. And especially as a woman, it's a lot."

The Duchess struggled with intense media scrutiny throughout her pregnancy, facing regular criticism for everything from the way she dressed to her choice to celebrate with a baby shower in New York.

Even today Meghan is criticised in the press for her decisions as a new mum. (PA/AAP)

Royal fans and new mums have praised Meghan for her openness in the video and have cheered her on for dealing with all the negative press with grace, prompting the supportive hashtag #WeLoveYouMeghan.

"Thank you Meghan Markle, for every new mum, for every woman who is expected to always be okay," one fan tweeted.

"We must protect Meghan Markle at all costs," wrote another.

The clip was taken from an upcoming ITV documentary, Harry And Meghan: An African Journey, that goes behind the scenes of their recent Royal Tour of Africa and looks at the couple's personal lives as royals and parents.

The documentary will premiere this weekend, with royal fans eager to see what other candid moments and confessions Prince Harry and Meghan will share about their lives and baby Archie.

"Every single time I see a camera, every single time I hear a click, every single time I see a flash it takes me straight back so in that respect it's the worst reminder of her life as opposed to the best," he told ITV.